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(AP Photo/Ugarit News via AP video) Syrian refugees gather for food aid after cross into Iraq at the Peshkhabour border point in Dahuk, 260 miles (430 kilometers) northwest of Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) In this image taken from video obtained from the Shaam News Network, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, a Syrian man comforts a child injured by a missile strike in Raqqa, Syria, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Shaam News Network via AP video) Syrian refugees cross into Iraq at the Peshkhabour border point in Dahuk, 260 miles (430 kilometers) northwest of Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013. More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/31/syrians-united-states_n_3849401.html

(Its the rematch for the Snow Clasico, and dont think for the second the Ticos and all their fans have forgiving or forgotten about that bit late-winter craziness.) (MORE: Snow Clasico, field level highlights of the surreal night) If the right notifications can go out to the right clubs and players, Klinsmann will announce and then talk about the roster sometime on Thursday, probably in a national conference call with media. Either way, the team will begin gathering in Miami on Sunday, with some of the players not arriving until Monday. They will train in South Florida on Monday and Tuesday and then fly into Costa Rica on Tuesday afternoon. Thats three days ahead of the Sept. 6 match and the TIcos Estadio Nacional. That early arrival is a departure from how Klinsmann and Co. did things earlier in World Cup qualifying, but it is how they ran the calendar back in June for a trip into Jamaica. More: http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/28/united-states-national-team-update-with-two-world-cup-qualifiers-ahead/

Here is one take on what the 25-man roster could look like for the United States in Sochi, Russia: COREY MASISAK'S UNITED STATES OLYMPIC TEAM GOALIES Ryan Miller , Buffalo Sabres Miller might be the safest pick of the top remaining candidates to make the team, but the least likely to start. It's also possible he has a great few weeks leading up to the tournament and there's a push to see if he can rekindle his 2010 magic. Jimmy Howard , Detroit Red Wings Nearly a dead heat between Howard and Craig Anderson (Ottawa Senators) with Cory Schneider (New Jersey Devils) a bit behind because of NHL playing-time concerns. The defense in front of Howard should be better with Detroit this season, and he looked like a legitimate star during the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. FORWARDS Zach Parise , Minnesota Wild Zach Parise will likely play on the top line for the United States in 2014. (Photo: Getty Images) Trying to figure out what the forward lines might look like is not easy at this point, but Parise likely will be on the left side of the top line. John Carlson , Washington Capitals His offensive numbers take a hit because Mike Green and Alex Ovechkin hold a monopoly on the point positions during NHL power plays, but Carlson has been great for Washington at even strength, even when stuck with a lesser partner, which won't be the case on this team. More: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=681280

Predicting the United States roster for Sochi Olympics

The CIA is pursuing tracking systems that minimize or eliminate the need for physical access and enable deep concealment operations against hard targets. The agency has deployed new biometric sensors to confirm the identities and locations of al-Qaeda operatives. The system has been used in the CIAs drone campaign. The NSA is also planning high-risk covert missions, a lesser-known part of its work, to plant what it calls tailored radio frequency solutions in hostile territoryclose-in sensors to intercept communications that do not pass through global networks. Sadly, neither the Office of the Director of National Intelligences (ODNI) newly created Twitter or Tumblr accounts have a response to the new document. The United States has made a considerable investment in the Intelligence Community since the terror attacks of 9/11, a time which includes wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Arab Spring, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction technology, and asymmetric threats in such areas as cyber-warfare, the ODNIs director, James Clapper, told the Post. More: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/08/your-tax-dollars-at-work-inside-the-united-states-52-6b-black-budget/

43rd Annual United States Dance Championships

The 2013 USDC take place Monday through Saturday, September 2nd through 7th at the Walt Disney World Swan hotel, located at 1200 Epcot Resorts Boulevard in Lake Buena Vista. Over 700 male and female professional and amateur competitors from 30 countries will compete for 27 championships, including U.S. National Pro/Am, U.S. Open Pro/Am, U.S. Amateur Open, U.S. National Professional, U.S. More: http://www.wftv.com/events/detail/4058921/

U.S. Prepared To Strike Syria But President Will Seek Congressional Approval

But we are the United States of America, and we cannot and must not turn a blind eye to Kim Kardashian what happened in Damascus. Out of the ashes of world war, we built an international order and enforced the rules that gave it meaning. And we did so because we believe that the rights of individuals to live in peace and dignity depends on the responsibilities of nations. We arent perfect, but this nation more than any other has been willing to meet those responsibilities. So to all members of Congress of both parties, I ask you to take this vote for our national security. I am looking forward to the debate. More: http://nation.foxnews.com/2013/09/01/us-prepared-strike-syria-president-will-seek-congressional-approval

FACT SHEET: The United States and Latvia? NATO Allies and Global Partners

Liquidity-refers to how easily a fund is traded, in other words, how easily an investor can get his or her money back out of the investment. USO United States Oil Fund LP, USL United States 12 Month Oil Fund LP, UNG United States Natural Gas Fund,LP, UNL United States 12 Month Natural Gas Fund LP, UGA United States Gasoline Fund LP, USCI United States Commodity Index Fund and each of their respective Design marks are registered trademarks and service marks of the United States Commodity Funds LLC. The United States Commodity Funds is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. For a prospectus or additional information call 800-920-0259, write to ALPS Distributors, Inc, 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203 To download a prospectus: United States Oil Fund, LP, visit www.unitedstatesoilfund.com/uso-prospectus.php, United States 12 Month Oil Fund, LP, visit www.unitedstates12monthoilfund.com/usl-prospectus.php,United States Natural Gas Fund, LP, visit www.unitedstatesnaturalgasfund.com/ung-prospectus.php, United States Gasoline Fund, LP, visit www.unitedstatesgasolinefund.com/uga-prospectus.php, United States Commodity Index Fund, visit www.unitedstatescommodityindexfund.com/usci-prospectus.php. SOURCE United States Commodity Funds Copyright (C) 2013 PR Newswire. All rights reserved Most Popular Obama: will seek congressional approval for strike 1:53p Obama: Syria chemical attack worst of 21st century 12:38p Heres a chart-by-chart look at how stocks have performed before and after nine major U.S. More: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/united-states-commodity-funds-lists-products-on-mexican-stock-exchange-2013-08-28

United States Commodity Funds lists products on Mexican Stock Exchange

experts and Latvian participation in EUCOM- and NATO-sponsored events and U.S.-based training. The government of Latvia is also a partner in the Freedom Online Coalition, a group of governments collaborating to advance Internet freedom. Defense and Security Cooperation: U.S. and Latvian troops participate in a range of joint and multilateral exercises, including SABER STRIKE, BALTOPS, and STEADFAST JAZZ 13. Latvian soldiers and defense personnel also receive technical training and strategic education in the United States. NATO Allies: As NATO allies, the United States and Latvia are committed to each others defense and partner in critical areas around the world. Latvia contributes important capabilities to the Alliances collective security, including the training of U.S.-certified joint terminal attack controllers (JTAC) who coordinate air support for ground units during operations. The State Partnership Program: Latvia has partnered with the Michigan National Guard since 1993. The program has brought together http://bloggd.org/blog/v/NCbc/Kim+Kardashian+makes+first+post-baby+appearance+on+mom+Kris+Jenner%E2%80%99s+talk+show hundreds of Guard personnel and their Latvian counterparts through training and outreach activities. Latvia and the Michigan National Guard are also joint providers of military assistance to Liberia through a program to train non-commissioned officers. Diplomatic Cooperation and Global Development: Development Cooperation: Latvias development assistance priorities include Central Asia and the EU Eastern Partnership countries. Latvia also works closely with the United States to provide border management and customs training to Central Asian countries. The Latvian government is also preparing to submit its first Emerging Donor Challenge Fund proposal, for which the government of Latvia and the U.S. Department of State would co-finance a border management project in Uzbekistan. Eastern Partnership: Along with the United States, Latvia places great emphasis on assisting the EUs Eastern Partnership countries. Latvias efforts in this area have included supporting land registration modernization in Azerbaijan; conducting border guard training in Belarus and Georgia, in conjunction with Estonia and Lithuania; and providing training to the Georgian armed forces. Additionally, Latvia conducts economic development and rule of law projects in Moldova through the U.S.-Latvia Agreement on Supporting Justice Sector Reform in Moldova, which was signed in June 2012. Global Cooperation: Latvia has been a strong ally in advancing human rights and democratic values around the world. Latvia has taken a leading role in encouraging democratic reforms in Belarus and helping Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova integrate more fully into European institutions. Latvia deploys seamen to the EU-led anti-piracy and anti-robbery Operation ATALANTA off the coast of Somalia and provides military training in Mali. Economic, Energy, and Environmental Cooperation: Energy Security: Latvia actively pursues a national strategy of energy diversification. A key portion of Latvias energy diversification strategy involves the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency. With half of its territory covered by forests, wood biomass is one of the primary fields for development. Latvian companies are pursuing U.S. technology and partnerships in wind power, biomass gasification, and waste energy solutions. These efforts support the Latvian governments commitment to produce 40 percent of total energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020. Trade, Investment, and Jobs: Bilateral trade in goods between the United States and Latvia totaled $760 million in 2012. Coal and petroleum gases, machinery, and vehicles are among the United States major exports to Latvia. Recent partnerships between U.S. and Latvian businesses have been concentrated in the information technology, transportation and logistics, energy, and heavy industry sectors. The government of Latvia has expressed strong support for the U.S.-EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) negotiations. T-TIP aims to boost economic growth in the United States and in the EU and add to the more than 13 million American and EU jobs already supported by transatlantic trade and investment. In May, Latvia was selected to receive a roadmap for membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Latvia will formally adopt the euro on January 1, 2014. Educational and Cultural Ties: Educational Exchange Programs: Since 1991, the United States has awarded Fulbright fellowships to 177 outstanding scholars and students from Latvia to study and conduct research in the United States. Each year, approximately eight Latvian students and scholars travel to the United States. Additionally, in the past 20 http://cherylmarh.sosblogs.com/The-first-blog-b1/Kim-Kardashian-Slams-Katie-Couric-Says-I-Hate-Fake-Media-Friends-b1-p31.htm years, more than 150 U.S. More: http://m.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/08/30/fact-sheet-united-states-and-latvia-nato-allies-and-global-partners

Jordan Moore threw a 23-yard touchdown to Robert Lowe with 8:52 left in the second quarter to push Texas State ahead 14-0 with 8:52 remaining in the second quarter. It was Moore's only completion of the game. The Bobcats led 14-3 at halftime despite only 100 total yards of offense. Bridgford started at quarterback for Southern Miss after emerging from a four-man battle during preseason camp. But the California transfer didn't have much success early, connecting on some short throws but missing on most attempts downfield. Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/09/01/3599565/texas-state-tops-southern-mississippi.html

The tackling wasn't perfectly clean, but junior safety Mykkele Thompson looked better tackling space, though the news wasn't quite as positive with senior safety Adrian Phillips , who had an interception, but also missed some tackles himself. Going back to the offense, Johnson was the breakout star of the game with 129 yards offensively and his two touchdowns. Interestingly enough, when the Horns lined up in the Diamond formation, it was often Johnson who got the carries, including on his touchdown run. Despite talk that Texas might use all three talented running backs in the formation, it was run almost exclusively with a tight end or H-back in the backfield and utilized more often than expected. On the flip side, other than the touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, Davis didn't have his best game as a Longhorn, coughing up the football on the first possession after reception that would have moved Texas into field goal range, then dropped a pass later on a short route, which New Mexico State was conceding the entire game with celebs the field and boundary cornerbacks both playing nearly 10 visite site yards off the ball on every play. The performance by the Horns was hardly complete, but Texas did quickly put the game out of reach after the slow start and the final numbers suggest just how much potential this offense has to produce explosive plays, even though the much-discussed mark of 80 plays wasn't reached, in part because head coach Mack Brown took his reference foot off the accelerator in the fourth quarter when it was clearly out of reach. Flawed, but still record-setting. Read more: http://www.ajc.com/feed/sports/college/texas-runs-away-from-new-mexico-state-56-7/fT7t3/

Earlier this week crowds flooded in for regular services. Rose Mwangi had her Bible in hand, and said she's not worried. "Beause I know Jesus is a healer, so I know he's covered us with the blood," Mwangi says. "There's no place for fear." Eagle Mountain is led by pastor Terri Copeland Pearsons, the daughter of televangelist Kenneth Copeland. Church leaders wouldn't grant interviews, but Pearsons released a statement after the outbreak saying she isn't anti-vaccine. Read more: http://www.npr.org/2013/09/01/217746942/texas-megachurch-at-center-of-measles-outbreak

More on Texas A&M For full coverage of the Aggies, check out the Texas A&M blog, part of ESPN's College Football Nation. Blog More: ESPN.com's SEC blog On Wednesday, the NCAA suspended Manziel for the first half of the Aggies' season opener, a 52-31 victory over Rice at Kyle Field, and all but declared the case closed. As part of Manziel's punishment, the NCAA ordered him to address his teammates and share what lessons he learned from the scandal. Surprisingly, the NCAA didn't require Manziel to stand in the corner of Kyle Field during the first 30 minutes of Saturday's game for what it called an "inadvertent" violation of its rules. "I just hope he learned that those actions may be actions that you think just hurt you, but they end up hurting the whole football team," Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said. "That was the real gist of his message to the team." Less than 24 hours later, [link] Manziel's sophomore season started on the fourth play of the second half, and it didn't take him long to help -- and hurt -- his football team again. Read more: http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/colleges/tamu/archive/_/month/

Etihad Airways is Air Berlins largest shareholder, with a stake of over 29 per cent, and has in the past helped to keep the carrier aloft. In February, it subscribed to 29.2 per cent of an Air Berlin convertible bond. In December, Etihad bought more http://katlapsaju.edublogs.org/2013/08/12/living-large-in-costa-rica/ than 70 per cent of Air Berlins frequent flier programme for 184.4 million euros ($246 million). Air Berlins second-quarter performance has shown some improvement, with its net loss narrowing to 38 million euros from 99.8 million euros a year earlier. However, the airline also admitted it would difficult to achieve an operating profit this year and last week said it cant rule out a capital increase. It plans cost savings of at least 200 million euros this year in order to bring its net debt to 500 million euros by the end of the year from 706.5 million euros as of June 30. When we got involved with Air Berlin, it was clear that the management is facing a big and difficult task with its austerity program and the planned turnaround, Baumgartner told reporters in Hamburg. More: http://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/etihad-s-support-for-air-berlin-conditional-on-restructuring-1.1223347

Credit: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin/E. Strickert. Without the currently available plethora of X-ray methods, basic research in the physical sciences would be unthinkable. The methods are used in solid state physics, in the analysis of biological structures, and even art historians have X-rays to thank for many new insights. Now, scientists at the Helmholtz Center Berlin (HZB) have identified yet another area of application. More: http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Berlin_researchers_open_a_door_for_solid_state_physics_999.html

Italian banker Valter Badariotti, 40, said he bought three properties in Berlin because London and Paris were too expensive. He also worries about the deteriorating economic situation in Italy. "I have to think of the future," he said. "My children, ages 3 and 5, might go to university in Berlin." These euro crisis refugees, however are causing an uproar in Berlin, with locals blaming Greeks and Italians for the steep property price hikes. It has even become an issue taken up by all political parties ahead of September's federal elections. Even so, Roland Bomhard, head of real estate at law firm Hogan Lovells, says buyers investing in Berlin residential real estate are still overwhelmingly German, with foreigners accounting for only roughly 30% of all new buyers in recent years. More: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/04/28/berlin-real-estate-price-rise/2094463/

The Berlin Decision: Old Masters Stay Put

MAY 2013 PHOTOS: Tour Berlin's delay-plagued airport Or, as The Associated Press puts it , "the saga of Berlin's new airport has turned into a national joke and a source of humiliation for a people renowned for being on time. The airport fiasco presents a staggering picture of incompetence." The airport is now tentatively set to open this October, though officials have refused to set a precise date after being snake-bitten by previous missed openings. MORE PHOTOS: Germany's delay-plagued Berlin Brandenburg International Airport So, how are things progressing at the airport? USA TODAY reporter Bart Jansen took a tour of the airport last week, and offers this update through a series of photos. And, if you're passing through Berlin great site and would like to see it for yourself, the airport offers public tours four days each week at a cost of 10 euros (about $13). Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt Airport is named for the Cold War leader, a Nobel Peace laureate, former German chancellor and Berlin mayor. When the long-delayed airport finally opens, it will unite the traffic of the adjacent Schoenefeld Airport of the former East Berlin and Tegel Airport of the former West Berlin. More: http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2013/05/31/berlins-new-airport-hows-it-coming-along/2375541/

Berlin Metro? an U-Bahn Guide

Nor was I among those who felt any delay in returning them to [read] view even an indefinite one was worth it to have the Old Master paintings close to the Old Master sculpture on Museum Island. So heres where we are now: In a press release issued about the feasibility study they ordered because of the petition, the Foundation admits that simultaneously placing the modern art in the Gemaldegalerie in the Culture Forum AND relocating the Old Masters to Museum Island is not financially feasible. Therefore, it will now make plans to build a museum for the modern collection at the Culture Forum onSigismundstrae. It will have 106,500 sq. ft. and cost 130 million euros. More: http://www.artsjournal.com/realcleararts/2013/08/the-berlin-decision-old-masters-stay-put.html

Berlin Architecture Jobs Expats

If you are accustomed to using subway systems in other major cities, youll find the Berlin subway system easy enough. Subway tickets can be bought at the ticket machines on the subway platforms and at ticket counters in larger stations. These subway tickets can also be used for buses and trams. Tickets range from 1.60 to 3.20. Short distance tickets cost 1.50 and are valid for a total of 3 stops, even if you change trains. Children under 6 years travel for free. Great Things to Do in Berlin While you are checking out the http://hankyjxd.postbit.com/ underground world of transportation in Berlin, you might as well squeeze in some extra sightseeing as well. More: http://www.venere.com/blog/guide-berlin-metro-5219/

Berlin real estate, rents spike amid foreign investment

Will you be married by the time you move? Do you have dual citizenship with an EU country? Will you be employer-sponsored? If so, will you get a BlueCard? Depending on all this, your wife might not even get instant access to the job market. (If you get a BlueCard, no problem on the work permit side of things.) She will first of all have to check whether her specific degree is recognised in Germany - building rules and regulations can be very different from country to country. The architecture job market in Berlin is not great at the moment (my cousin's husband is an architect and he has been trying to find a job in his field desperately for years and years). More: http://www.expatforum.com/expats/germany-expat-forum-expats-living-germany/182666-berlin-architecture-jobs-expats.html